Associated News Bureau

Deputy Chief Minister Reviews Rajouri Flood Damage, Orders Fast-Track Restoration and Accountability

RAJOURI, JULY 22: Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Wednesday visited the flood-affected Bella area of Rajouri district to assess the damage caused by recent flash floods and review the progress of relief, rescue and restoration operations. During the visit, the Deputy Chief Minister inspected the affected areas, interacted with officers and field functionaries, and directed them to expedite restoration works, including the clearance of damaged road stretches and the restoration of essential public services to ensure the early return of normalcy. Later, he chaired a high-level review meeting in Rajouri to assess the ongoing restoration efforts and the emergency response of various departments. He instructed all concerned agencies to work in close coordination and ensure the timely restoration of essential services while extending effective relief to affected families. Officials informed the meeting that the district administration, along with all line departments, has been carrying out rescue, relief and restoration operations on a war footing. Of the four persons initially reported missing in the flash flood incident, three bodies have been recovered, while search operations are continuing to trace the remaining missing individual. Multi-agency rescue efforts involving the SDRF, NDRF, Police, the Indian Army and other departments are continuing in close coordination. Reviewing infrastructure restoration, the Deputy Chief Minister directed the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) to improve drainage along National Highway-144A and accelerate road repair works wherever progress was slow. He stressed that scientific drainage management was essential to minimise the risk of future flood damage. The meeting was informed that 157 PMGSY roads had been damaged in the flash floods. Choudhary directed the Public Works Department, PMGSY and BRO to restore road connectivity on priority and ensure the earliest repair of damaged public infrastructure. Reviewing the Jal Shakti Department, officials informed that 131 water supply schemes had been affected. Drinking water is currently being supplied through water tankers in the affected areas until normal services are restored. The meeting was also informed that, of the 150 power feeders affected, all except 30 had been restored, with the remaining feeders expected to be made functional by the evening. The Deputy Chief Minister reviewed the availability of essential commodities and directed the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department to prevent black marketing and hoarding. He instructed officials to ensure an uninterrupted supply of ration and other essentials, particularly to stranded labourers and vulnerable families. Authorities informed the meeting that dry ration kits and packed food are being distributed across the affected areas. Officials further informed that 76 schemes under the Irrigation and Flood Control Department had sustained damage. Choudhary directed the department to prepare a comprehensive flood protection proposal for the Bella area to mitigate the impact of future flood incidents. Taking serious note of delays in road repairs during the defect liability period, the Deputy Chief Minister directed the authorities to identify and blacklist contractors who had failed to fulfil their contractual obligations in accordance with established rules. He also reviewed the assessment of losses in the agriculture, horticulture, education and other sectors, directing the concerned departments to conduct a comprehensive and transparent damage assessment to facilitate the timely implementation of relief and rehabilitation measures. Appreciating the prompt response of the district administration and the coordinated efforts of all rescue agencies, Surinder Choudhary commended officers and field teams for their dedication during the crisis. He stressed the need for sustained inter-departmental coordination to ensure the early restoration of normalcy and effective rehabilitation of the affected population. ANB